Systemic iron overload associated with Welder's siderosis.
Welding involves exposure to fumes, gases, radiation, electricity, noise, and heat. Herein, we describe 2 welders presenting with lung infiltrates and elevated liver enzyme levels. Both of these patients had pulmonary siderosis ("welder's lung") on lung biopsy along with evidence of systemic iron overload. Evaluation for genetic hemochromatosis and other known causes of iron overload was unrevealing. Welding with chronic inhalation of iron particles maybe an under-recognized source of systemic iron overload.
Patel
Rajesh R
RR
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. patel.rajesh@mayo.edu
Yi
Eunhee S
ES
Ryu
Jay H
JH
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012806:Siderosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014896:Welding